Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Release Date: December 18, 2015
6.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 7984 Ratings
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Positive:
5,073
Mixed:
1,217
Negative:
1,694
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KeBeDec 25, 2015
A combination of characters not being fleshed, bad acting and not staying true to Star Wars lore make this the worst movie in the franchise to date. This was an obviously pushed through production with the intentions of making the profitA combination of characters not being fleshed, bad acting and not staying true to Star Wars lore make this the worst movie in the franchise to date. This was an obviously pushed through production with the intentions of making the profit margins as large as possible and not focus on character development or delivering a compelling story line. The main focus of Disney is on selling merchandise, and the cash crop Star Wars is. Some might argue Star wars was always meant for children but this is a new low. Any grown man or woman buying into the not only unbelievable plot but unfaithful Star Wars fandom must have fell asleep during the movie. Expand
42 of 68 users found this helpful4226
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0
FlankeDec 25, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well I just watched it and I was very disappointed, the casting was horrible and there was no Luke Skywalker.. how could two untrained Jedi overpower a sith master? it does not make any sense... plus the love between the two characters seems forced and not realistic at all... I am a huge star wars fan and have collected all the toys etc... I was ok with Phantom menace but this movie was just to predictable. Expand
55 of 93 users found this helpful5538
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6
ToFewViewsDec 25, 2015
So the day has come, Disney has pulled Star Wars from George Lucas's grasp after sweetening the deal with 4+ Billion Dollars. Now with that much money spent on the rights alone you'd think the movie would come out somewhat of a masterpiece?So the day has come, Disney has pulled Star Wars from George Lucas's grasp after sweetening the deal with 4+ Billion Dollars. Now with that much money spent on the rights alone you'd think the movie would come out somewhat of a masterpiece? maybe a new "A New Hope"? But sadly elements of the film take away from the experience and causes the film to feel like the Step Child who's slightly Different to the rest. Fans of the Star Wars series(ie myself) will find it extremely easy to blindly love this movie but if you take a step back to observe the film the flaws may become more apparent. Things like sound design, Sets, Action and CGI was all done well, The movie almost always looks good, sounds good and its all around good looking. But then things like some main characters who don't fit their role at all and ruin the character or other main characters don't actually do anything in the entire movie. Watching the movie as a true die hard Star Wars fan what kept coming to mind for me was other ways the story could have been, With darker or more interesting story arcs and maybe using the absolutely massive extended universe that has been created for the Star Wars world from Books,Games Etc. With Disney planning on making a new Trilogy I really hope they can take the world and characters they have and making something truly amazing with it....not just something to "Break the Box Office" Expand
20 of 36 users found this helpful2016
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10
JoshuaTobackDec 25, 2015
When I first walked in to The Force Awakens, my expectations were lukewarm. It was a mixture of coldness due to the prequels and excitement because of the directing prowess of JJ Abrams. However, after a 2 and a half hour joy ride, I have toWhen I first walked in to The Force Awakens, my expectations were lukewarm. It was a mixture of coldness due to the prequels and excitement because of the directing prowess of JJ Abrams. However, after a 2 and a half hour joy ride, I have to say that this movie is my favorite Star Wars movie. Period. I've never cried, laughed or applauded so much for ANY movie. It took me away from the world for a while, and I felt at home. Boyega and Ridley have amazing chemistry, and the movie in a whole was really fun. Sure, (to avoid spoilers) Ren and Phasma were a bit underwhelming at first, but looking back I am very happy with the screentime they were given. A 10/10 is fair, as I don't think it's a perfect movie but a movie that did its job: Immerse you within a story. Go see this even if you don't like Star Wars. It's that good. Expand
3 of 31 users found this helpful328
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9
juangonzalezDec 25, 2015
I don't understand the hate. First pass viewing I too found it easy to be critical and compare it for following elements of Star Wars and Empire too closely. But on closer inspection, I think this was exactly the right thing to do. PackedI don't understand the hate. First pass viewing I too found it easy to be critical and compare it for following elements of Star Wars and Empire too closely. But on closer inspection, I think this was exactly the right thing to do. Packed with elements and feelings that made those two (particularly Empire so great). I also found that when I watched it again, I was struck by the quality of the scenes (music, dialogue, humor, cinematography, etc). I found some scenes pure magic. Again, I don't get the hate, I think the haters aren't true fans. I was 7 when the first movie came out and probably saw it 27 times in the theaters throughout the years (that's what megafans did in those days in the Midwest). I thought Rey was fabulous. Calm and patience make her a natural with the force. Maz, Fin, etc. All good stuff. Expand
9 of 34 users found this helpful925
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9
norseDec 25, 2015
I really enjoyed watching this movie, and to be frank, I did not expect to. I have had truly disappointing experiences watching JJA's earlier SF movies, and I expected little from this one. I will admit that the movie liberally copies scenesI really enjoyed watching this movie, and to be frank, I did not expect to. I have had truly disappointing experiences watching JJA's earlier SF movies, and I expected little from this one. I will admit that the movie liberally copies scenes from the earlier episodes in slightly modified form. And I will admit that there was a scene that had me cringing because it demonstrates such a flawed understanding of physics and scale that it's flabbergasting to think that the people involved in allowing it through into the final product did enjoy at least a high school education.

Overall, though, the acting and the cast were top-notch, the story was compelling and the realization was beautiful, both visually and musically.There are quite a few deus-ex-machina moments, but that's not fatal for a sci-fi or fantasy flick.

I had read up on the spoilers before seeing the movie (as I was not originally planning on seeing this in theaters) but had an opportunity to join a larger party, and was very surprised to see myself liking the result a whole lot better than the episodes 1 to 6.

Partially this is because the movie does not overreach: it's not a deep monumental epos, it keeps things small and does not overexplain - hence a lot remains to be seen (pun intended) in the sequels.

I for one am looking forward to them.
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6 of 31 users found this helpful625
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10
EmperorSultanDec 25, 2015
I can't for the new era of Star Wars video games. RPG games would be great something that let us live this huge universe and learn more about different races.
2 of 32 users found this helpful230
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1
MeldiDec 25, 2015
So. Let it be known that I was Princess Leia for 6 Halloweens in a row as a child. I played the scene where Leia and Luke swing to safety on my Tarzan swing with my neighbor Kevin 100's of times. When it snowed, we were on Hoth. When it wasSo. Let it be known that I was Princess Leia for 6 Halloweens in a row as a child. I played the scene where Leia and Luke swing to safety on my Tarzan swing with my neighbor Kevin 100's of times. When it snowed, we were on Hoth. When it was summer, we were in Yoda's swamp.

Last night, I was so excited. I thought, 'This is gonna be GREAT!!' So thrilled, what a fun way to spend Christmas Eve.

Now, all I want for Christmas is my memories back. This reboot (redo? Rework?) was god, I don't know. It wasn't funny. It wasn't awesome. It wasn't new. It wasn't a continuation of the story. It wasn't fresh. It wasn't great. Worse yet, it wasn't Star Wars. It. Was. Lame.

And I am sad.
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108 of 181 users found this helpful10873
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5
gibbsduhemDec 25, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Wow, this movie is getting this type of hype for such a completely un-original plot if any? I was really hoping that somehow this film would do the impossible but of course it did not. It did not expand GL's vision into a compelling overall narrative, but unlike many other negative reviews, I completely loved the gal protagonist developing mad force skills on the fly. And the setup to show the decline in the power of the dark side is somewhat appreciated in that the lead Sith lord of this film has anger management issues. Very weak subtleties that I may eventually come to appreciate. However, the main unforgivable thing for me is the completely boring and inexcusable third iteration of xwings attacking a death star - seriously? Expand
14 of 22 users found this helpful148
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7
ethan_ameranDec 25, 2015
So just meanderings for Star Wars The Force Awakens (no spoilers). Every professional reviewer (that I've seen) and fan has basically peed all over themselves with glee stating this is either the best or second best (behind The Empire StrikesSo just meanderings for Star Wars The Force Awakens (no spoilers). Every professional reviewer (that I've seen) and fan has basically peed all over themselves with glee stating this is either the best or second best (behind The Empire Strikes Back) 'Wars film ever. I really think that this is exaggerated in that the Lucas Prequels Episodes 1-3 were so CGI heavy, plot light, and basically added nothing to the franchise story that the bar was set EXTREMELY low expectation-wise to begin with. Add to that the fact that J.J. rebooted Star Trek a story-lite, action-driven, WB infused, fight laden, explosive caricature of it's former plot driven incarnations further cooled expectations of the new Star Wars trilogy under his direction. I think only the fact that it is a modestly story driven film, using actual sets, ships, and characters/extras that it completely eclipses the Lucas prequels. Add to that it's been 10 years since there's been a Star Wars movie, the fandom hunger is present for anything, especially something resembling the original trilogy glory. J.J. delivers in that respect but to be objective and not caught up in the "here and now" of the revival moment. The Force Awakens is no where near the richness of Empire Strikes Back and likely falls short of the birth of the franchise in A New Hope. At best I'd say it competes mightily for third place against Return of the Jedi. Frankly if not for the annoying Ewoks and laughable failing of the Imperial forces against said stick-wielding monkeys in Return, this new film would easily fall to fourth best of seven in the current franchise run. While it is heads above the Lucas toy sale driven aims of the prequels it still smacks of a dumbing down to appeal to the Facebook scrolling masses and fails to fully vest yourself to the characters and story as the original trilogy did. The one thing that absolutely drove me nuts is that (especially) the two new main characters were always pantingly breathless in multiple scenes in the movie. All this heavy breathing became really like nails on a chalkboard for me. If you movie is really THAT action-packed that your main characters have to pant through the film either pretend they're super-human and let them stop panting or else cut down on jumping from one action sequence, to another, to another, to another and perhaps fill those gaps with plot and character development. Expand
5 of 21 users found this helpful516
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8
m1j37Dec 25, 2015
A sequel and a reboot at the same time, "The Force Awakens" takes us on a fun last ride with our beloved characters before introducing to new stories in the next installments, though a third Death Star and that scene with the smugglers wereA sequel and a reboot at the same time, "The Force Awakens" takes us on a fun last ride with our beloved characters before introducing to new stories in the next installments, though a third Death Star and that scene with the smugglers were totally unnecessary. Good Star Wars.. Expand
3 of 26 users found this helpful323
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0
milanesexcasoDec 25, 2015
If you are fans of Star Wars, stand clear of this movie. It is nothing but a remake of Star Wars IV for Twilight fans. Let's stop J.J. Abrams before it is too late!
61 of 99 users found this helpful6138
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10
michelemorettiDec 25, 2015
I rediscovered the feelings, scenarios and excitement of the first trilogy by G.Lucas. Perfect mix of old and new characters and (most important) a proper villain. Good and well balanced use of special effects.
Great performances by all
I rediscovered the feelings, scenarios and excitement of the first trilogy by G.Lucas. Perfect mix of old and new characters and (most important) a proper villain. Good and well balanced use of special effects.
Great performances by all actors.
... And fortunately no more "midiclorians" and JarJarBings (thank you so much J.J. Abrams!)

Chewie, we're home!
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8 of 47 users found this helpful839
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2
AlperCaglarDec 25, 2015
Disney has just succeeded so perfectly at lowering your standards to the point that you feel as though you got lucky to even get a movie that is a nostalgic copy of the movies you used to love.

Sure, the practical effects are there, but
Disney has just succeeded so perfectly at lowering your standards to the point that you feel as though you got lucky to even get a movie that is a nostalgic copy of the movies you used to love.

Sure, the practical effects are there, but the reliance on fan service and nostalgia doesn't make up for a terrible script and phoned in performances by Ford and Fisher. JJ does what JJ does best and ruins another franchise with his derivative shtick. It may have the anatomy of A New Hope (because they cloned it), but has none of the soul of the franchise.

All the Disney panderers and shills out there may call the cat a fish as much as they want, but only now, at the end, do they realize that the cat will drown nonetheless. The Mary Sue lead, the 1138 coincidences and the terrible pacing will not stand the test of time, and the entire hypnotic hype will come crashing down as people realize the awful truth-- even the horrible prequels had more of a Star Wars feel than this institutional humiliation.
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145 of 242 users found this helpful14597
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0
alexander87Dec 25, 2015
Like watching a Star Wars TV pilot written by YouTube commenters.

A cash grab remake with an insulting script full of coincidences, plot holes, fan service, no character development etc etc. Horrible beyond belief.
112 of 189 users found this helpful11277
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10
Nikola8Dec 25, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie was excellent. I've seen the movie twice now, so the following is based on my analysis of two viewings. Minor spoilers will abound, but nothing too big.

First of all, yes, this movie is very similar to episode 4, aka the "original" star wars. So what! It knows that it is doing this and, unlike the negative reviews, isn't pulling a fast one. It is intentionally following a similar thread, almost like a symphony. The prequels were actually supposed to be more similar to the originals until G Lucas messed them up. But, to break it down - lost heroes unite. One of them is strong in the force, they at the end is a battle, and the good guys destroy a space station. Sound familiar? Well, it happened in the Phantom Menace, A New Hope, and Force Awakens. So any complaints about the story being a copy are unreasonable - the movie is intentionally being parallel to its predecessors.

Where this movie SHINES is in its new cast. Rey, Fin, Poe, and Kylo Ren were all excellent. Han Solo served enough of a plot point but was necessarily killed off to leave room for the new group. I was surprised at just how good this new cast is. I haven't felt this excited about a group of characters in a sci fi show since the original star wars trilogy. None of the prequels had this quality of cast. Ewan McGreggor was good, Liam Neeson got killed before we could appreciate him, Sam Jackson was in the prequels too infrequently, so we were left with Hayden Christiansen and a boring version of Natalie Portman (who, aside from the prequels, is actually a great actress). No such complaints can be found for the Force Awakens. That move is simply awesome. Go with an open mind. Don't tear it apart due to its similarities to the originals - and just realize those similarities are intentional, and don't be too sad when you see Han die, it is sad, but don't let it ruin the movie. All said, J.J. Abrams nailed this movie more than anyone else could have.

Oh, and just to throw some fuel on the fire - Rey is clearly Luke's lost daughter...
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156 of 209 users found this helpful15653
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7
jeffersonyuvensDec 25, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. i consider myself as a star wars fan , but i'm slightly disappointed with this movie . it's true that j.j abrams made cool and badass movie but aside from that , the plot and storyline quite boring and repetitive , this happened in star wars VII , it's basically just remake of the original triology (a new hope) just the characters are different and j.j abrams put some of his touch to this movie Expand
3 of 19 users found this helpful316
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10
SzenDec 25, 2015
Thrilling, action packed and surprisingly emotional, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is a solid entry in the franchise and a great start for the new trilogy.
8 of 49 users found this helpful841
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5
megacritic321Dec 25, 2015
Over hyped film no doubt. Too many fight scenes and less character except 2 (Rey & Finn)The rest is all old school. Shame all that money and effort. Seriously a better story line and stronger character development is needed. Worth watching on DVD.
20 of 33 users found this helpful2013
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4
vonMistontDec 25, 2015
Starformers or Star Wars for Marvel fans (with ADHD) - SPOILER FREE
It was so action packed yet so forgettable that in retrospect I begin to look more fondly on prequels. It's based on homages to the original trilogy and references belonging
Starformers or Star Wars for Marvel fans (with ADHD) - SPOILER FREE
It was so action packed yet so forgettable that in retrospect I begin to look more fondly on prequels. It's based on homages to the original trilogy and references belonging rather in the realm of Robot Chicken Star Wars than in actual movie. This homages and great Harrison Ford performance may be what eluded some fans to liking this movie, but I'm sure that after you cooled down you will realize what are we dealing with here. Except for the very beginning there were no moments of peace, where you could just watch sights and listen to John Williams music. It was one big roller-coaster of events yet we are left with no explanation to why balance of power in the universe is the way it is. What's The Order, what's the Resistance, what's the Republic, who is more powerful and why. While The Empire was well established authoritarian state with it's own character The Order seem to be just blunt obvious Nazi reference. Villains are pitiful, when we meet them for the first time they seem really intimidating but when it comes to anything they just loose their steam. The worst part is with all this positive feedback the film gets the rest of the movies may be as shallow and badly filmed as this one. I'm afraid we forever lost the Star Wars just like Star Trek fans lost Star Trek for the transformers clone. Transformer liking audience seems to be more profitable. At least George Lucas was creating his own vision and not just delivering to the market... Let's just hope next movie will try to be a film on it's own without spending half it's time to show that the director did watch original trilogy.
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74 of 126 users found this helpful7452
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10
GenXYDec 25, 2015
Fantastic movie, and most people realize either this, or that it is at least good. I'm not sure what pair of eyes and a brain could experience this and think "Ugh, this was terrible" or "this is a complete rehash of episode IV" or any otherFantastic movie, and most people realize either this, or that it is at least good. I'm not sure what pair of eyes and a brain could experience this and think "Ugh, this was terrible" or "this is a complete rehash of episode IV" or any other totally insane way of thinking. This movie is the prime reason people go to the theater. Period. Expand
194 of 262 users found this helpful19468
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10
jocobo12Dec 25, 2015
This Film was amazing and while being safe it sets up risks to be taken in episodes 8 and 9. This film was oustanding with a classic story and amazing visual effects combining to make a masterpeice.
3 of 35 users found this helpful332
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8
KunstiDec 25, 2015
This movie is great to watch in the cinema, but if you take a closer look you realize that most of the characters (with a few exceptions) and the story line are poorly written and sometimes it feels like they recycled stuff from Episode IV. IThis movie is great to watch in the cinema, but if you take a closer look you realize that most of the characters (with a few exceptions) and the story line are poorly written and sometimes it feels like they recycled stuff from Episode IV. I also dislike the new villain, Kylo Ren, he just doesn't seem like a real bad guy to me, but that may change throughout the trilogy. After all the movie still looks great, has good action sequences and many nostalgic moments. That's why it's still worth watching for everyone. Expand
4 of 27 users found this helpful423
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1
Bullets4allDec 25, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. worst Star Wars movie series.
Where the hell have found that crow in the lead role?
Note the absence of Lucas, the film is weak.
Only the applicant made this movie to be successful
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32 of 54 users found this helpful3222
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6
TheGreatBakerDec 25, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie was truly surprising.
A new addition to the Star Wars movie collection has just been completed but it has some major flaws that are hard to get around. The biggest problem this movie has is that is relies an extreme amount on the original ideas that were presented in the original trilogy. The entire end problem of the movie is exactly the same as episode IV, except in this movie instead of it being a normal Death Star, it's a planet that they converted into a Death Star. The heroes even solve it the same way as the original Death Star, by going down a long trench in an X-Wing and shooting something small and blowing it up. Also the main antagonist is a complete mirror of Darth Vadar, but they ruin it by having Kylo Ren remove his mask and his mysterious back story within the first half of the movie. There is also the ending duel between Kylo, Finn, and Rey that is poorly written. Kylo first defeats Finn in a one on one lightsaber duel that isn't too bad, but after that Kylo is set up against Rey in another one on one and it looks like Kylo is about to kill Rey because he is far more experienced and more powerful than she is. Then Rey gets a massive skill and ability boost out of nowhere that she uses to defeat Kylo and almost kill him. Poorly written end fight to say the least. There are other grievances, but those are the big ones.
Beyond those complaints the movie still shows many positive features throughout. The entire production quality and looks are simply stunning. The wonderful addition of new characters like Finn and Rey are a great aspect of the movie with their personalities being something that people can enjoy. Along with bringing back some favorable characters like Han and Chew. The movie also is a first for the franchise to successfully add comedy to its production.
Overall the movie is a decent Star Wars film that certainly has the feel of one, but it is in good supply of poor writing and copying from the previous films. It is worth a watch, but as a long Star Wars fan I believe that this is not on the level of the original three.
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12 of 27 users found this helpful1215
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5
jdb26354Dec 25, 2015
The user rating is at 73, directionally wiser than the professionals' 81.
Star Wars Awakens is first and foremost a triumph of marketing and commercial myth-making, even the CGI-laden 3D boredom that now passes for the creation of cultural
The user rating is at 73, directionally wiser than the professionals' 81.
Star Wars Awakens is first and foremost a triumph of marketing and commercial myth-making, even the CGI-laden 3D boredom that now passes for the creation of cultural icons. Light saber fights, space filled with random fighter fire, and the Gargantuan symbolizing monolithic darkness - all the tropes invented in 1977 are still with us in 2015. A few times during my sitting, my mind wandered to how much tougher the competition is now for film from television - in terms of characters, surprises, and epitomizing the epic. This Star Wars is not up to that change, and I doubt the recycled franchise will be, as it never had nuance. This time, the clarions beckoned me to the "film that couldn't be missed." Next time, I will be deaf to them. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. The same level of special effects lavished on a film serial about WWII - the origin of the storm troopers and the dark force (and black garb) of Nazism - now that would capture me in a way no Star Wars film ever could. And don't kid yourself - we know the ending in one just as much as the other.
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33 of 55 users found this helpful3322
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0
TapTwoDec 24, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Why bother with this Movie.
Good
1.Started amazing villain looks badass
2.Good Effects
Bad
1. Pacing sucks and does not give time for character development. I know nothing about the characters because there was no character development in this movie.
2. Logic in this movie does not exist. Somehow a garbage salvager is more brave than someone trained from birth to be a soldier. Somehow that garbage salvager can repair the Millennium Falcon better than someone whom has several decades of experience with the ship. Ill tell you what next time I have car troubles Ill go to the salvage yard rather than a mechanic, because that makes perfect sense. Somehow it takes 3 movies for Anakin to control the force as good as he does as Darth Vader. 1.5 movies for Luke Skywalker to be able to lift a rock and five freaking minutes for the main character to do a JEDI MIND TRICK. The reason not everyone is a Jedi is because very few are able to use the force and among those that can in order to control the force it takes years of training it is earned. Rey does not earn her skills its as though she magically has the ability to control the force. Being strong and the force and controlling the force are two different things entirely.
3. Somehow a Sith Apprentice trained by Luke and a Dark Lord cant seem to win against a 5 min beginner force wielder that pulls Jedi Mind tricks out of her ass and a storm trooper.
4. Kylo Ren started strong in the beginning and became a whiny crying **** with daddy issues midway through the movie.
5. Story had no depth they recycled Episode 4 and couldnt think of a better plot than to increase the size of a death star to the size of a planet with the same **** WEAKNESS. This borderlines on retardation.
6. Phasma was nowhere to be seen and is so inept that when she is asked as to how someone went AWOL her excuse was he was supposed to show up at this location at this time.
7. The writers do not know a thing about suspense. Everything was obvious. The way they revealed the identity of Kylo Ren was a joke. The fact that Han Solo was going to die was obvious from the start of the scene.
8. The Sith Lord looks like Gollum. I kept waiting for him to utter my precious every scene they show him.

This movie was **** and the writers and direct should feel like **** They scrapped George Lucas script in favor of this trash and while George Lucas is not a good writer he could still be more imaginative than the retards that wrote this pile of fecal matter.
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50 of 84 users found this helpful5034
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0
Obee2Dec 24, 2015
Why is this movie doing so well? Because Episode 4 was a great movie, and Episode 7 is a remake of it? But why aren't fans turned off by the fact that it's just a remake? Because the majority of them are too young to realize it. AlmostWhy is this movie doing so well? Because Episode 4 was a great movie, and Episode 7 is a remake of it? But why aren't fans turned off by the fact that it's just a remake? Because the majority of them are too young to realize it. Almost nothing in this movie is at all new, and the little bit that is new is either not good, or doesn't even make sense. It's a truly awful insult to long time Star Wars fans everywhere. I wonder if this will start a new trend in Hollywood of remaking old movies and disguising them as new. Expand
55 of 93 users found this helpful5538
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10
stat30fblissDec 24, 2015
I was incredibly entertained every moment of the movie. I am by no means a Star Wars elitist or anything, but I have watched them all my life and was thoroughly entertained by this installment. Can't wait to go see it again!
9 of 56 users found this helpful947
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3
tsumeoneDec 24, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is probably my least favorite Star Wars movie for the following reasons:

-No Pacing. After the anticlimactic lightsaber fight between Rey and Ben where they obviously were setting the stage for the sequel, the movie was rushed. There was no pacing whatsoever. The scene transitions from that to their base to the completed map to Luke in what seemed like a blink of the eye.

-Little character development. They did not put nearly as much effort into developing Finn as they should have. His defection seemed forced by the writers, and only later in the movie does he very briefly and vaguely touch on why he defected. Rey fared off a bit better but the movie doesn't explain her attachment to Jakku and pretty much has her instantly mastering the force, easily defeating Ben who had way more experience than she.

-Everyone seemed to get over Han Solo's death way too quickly. Also, the foreshadowing was almost insultingly obvious. Having the light shining on him and Ben go dark just before he is killed? Come on.

-All of the combat was bland and uninspired. This movie could have redeemed itself if the action scenes were worth it, but they were not. The movie did nothing to get the viewer invested in the combat. It was nothing but the same tired movies in both the fighter combat and the lightsaber combat. Many of the scenes and maneuvers where they are attacking the "big deathstar" seemed to be near identical clones of the original deathstar fight.

I did not expect the movie to live up to the hype, but it was a much bigger let down than expected. I had high hopes for Disney and am disappointed.
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110 of 185 users found this helpful11075
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6
CreativeGhostDec 24, 2015
Okay, this movie is good. But the flaws don't outweigh the positive in my opinion. It felt much too forced to me. They should not have taken the story in such an odd direction. I am a huge star wars fan. I love the movies so much and haveOkay, this movie is good. But the flaws don't outweigh the positive in my opinion. It felt much too forced to me. They should not have taken the story in such an odd direction. I am a huge star wars fan. I love the movies so much and have recently read the books. So, take my word, the movie was not as good as all the other bandwagon star wars fan make it out to me. Let me tell you this, the cinematography was UNBELIEVABLY well done. It was so amazing to see those fight scenes between the starships! However, the story should have been better. I predicted a majority of the outcomes before they even occurred. Moreover, we did not see enough of Poe and Fin!! Their relationship was amazing, yet they focus in on the girl so much for no reason! Look, see the movie, you're going to like it overall. It's worth the money. Except, the The lightsaber scene was kind of sub-par I felt like. Expand
6 of 17 users found this helpful611
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5
DougMDec 24, 2015
Bit of a mess like the Abrams Star Trek films... the rushed character development, convenience tropes and ham-fisted scene hopping were all there in force. Felt like it was meant to be a much longer film and Abrams just edited it down to theBit of a mess like the Abrams Star Trek films... the rushed character development, convenience tropes and ham-fisted scene hopping were all there in force. Felt like it was meant to be a much longer film and Abrams just edited it down to the highlights.

Daisy Ridley's performance was the only shining aspect of the film.

Overall just a bland forgettable experience with the exception of Harrison Ford's dentures.
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18 of 30 users found this helpful1812
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9
ArianEDec 24, 2015
I was inspired to watch the whole series again after watching Episode VII! I think that it could've been more cohesive on the whole, but there was significant character development to the point that I really felt for the characters, and evenI was inspired to watch the whole series again after watching Episode VII! I think that it could've been more cohesive on the whole, but there was significant character development to the point that I really felt for the characters, and even sympathized with them. Definitely worth a watch, and you will be begging for more once it's done! Expand
6 of 31 users found this helpful625
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7
YobolionDec 24, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Blah blah like A New Hope! Return of the Jedi was like a New Hope, all that time on Tatooine and then blowing up another Death Star with some teddy bears thrown in! Essentially that is Star Wars! In the next film the baddies will seek revenge by capturing some resistance members and destroying there base like in Empire Strikes Back! Nobody wants to watch a political film with a jibbering bunny rabbit thrown in for poopy gags!

I'll divide my review into positive and negative

POSITIVE:
Millennium Falcon returns as do only slightly upgraded tie fighters and X-wings! This makes space battle scenes much clearer! Indeed they fight within the planets atmosphere so that is different.

Chewbacca for action scenes is played by an athletic basketball player and he is excellently cast for buddy group scenes and his interplay with The Finn character. Indeed he looks so strong like one of the Neanderthals who could tear a lion apart! Way better than the Peter Mayhew character who had trouble walking without out bow legs in the original trilogy.

Rey played by Daisy Ridley is mostly well acted and was a good protagonist amidst the obvious weirdness of a Star Wars movie.

The Kylo Ren Character was well executed by Adam Driver! He was a way more complex and interesting character than Darth Vader in a New Hope.

Harrison Ford put in a solid performance as Han Solo! Exactly how you imagined Han would end up! I imagine he has been killed off but the way the film was he could just as easily have been saved by Kylo somehow.

Carrie Fisher obviously hasn't looked after herself and all the drugs partying and clinical depression has caught up with her looks and acting ability. She ain't no Madonna or Jamie Lee Curtis that's for sure she says her lines with a weird look in her eye you usually see in people who have institutionalised.

Oscar Isacc is a great actor who can totally change to another character unlike Harisson Ford who mostly plays himself or John Boyega! He was totally different to his ex machina role and acted a spendid interchange with Finn. Sadly he wasn't in the film much but when he appeared his execution was solid!

The Domnhall Gleeson character as were most of the human First Order Officers typical of the toady slimey scum that can be found in the middle management of most medium to large scale companies. Just like the old Imperial officers. I'd like to see more rivalry in the next film with Kylo Ren.

C3PO didn't really appear much only to show off his red arm

R2D2 was mostly deactivated for most of the film

BB8 was a great edition. Far better than the poopy stepping rabbit in the boring prequels. At least nobody fawned all over the droids as if they were giving gratitude to a toaster like Queen Amidala did to R2D2.

The fight scenes with light Sabres were excellent much like untrained people do who grab weapons to kill opponents. Here there was finally real tension as opposed to the dancing sabre fights of the prequels.

NEGATIVES

Boyega seems like the kind of actor who can only play himself. I still liked his character though, many people objected to a black stormtrooper but for me I found him interesting as he could cope well with the action role. I know people dislike enforced political correctness and I have not seen a black actor who can totally change character like Daniel Day Lewis, Anthony Hopkins, Gerrard Depardieu, and not just play themselves. But to be fair Harrison Ford can only play himself in films.

Carrie Fisher can no longer act as Leia. Maybe her bizarre appearance could be described in the next film in that she's had a weird disfiguring spaceship crash.

No boring cliched love story with tedious dialogue like the "course sand" dialogue in episode 2!

For some reason I didn't enjoy the 3D version of this film way too much crap sticking out at you! Some people may like this but you should see both versions of the film before passing judgement.

I'm getting a bit tied of watching 8 stone women kick the crap out of elite fighting soldiers. Even Rhonda Rousey would not be able to overcome these situations. Maybe stun their opponent and escape but not hand the guy a new **** Except of course if she was using her mouth and nagging and moaning at a man but that is a different type of combat. Sadly this featured in the new Mad Max film and was equally laughable. Maybe they just want equality in the acting industry or to pay their stars less by diversifying the workforce making it harder for them to organise against the demands of their employer.

Still some crappy Cgi scenes but it was vastly reduced from the prequels.

Overall go and see it I'll definitely watch it again. :-)
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7 of 22 users found this helpful715
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10
ZepyDec 24, 2015
I don't understand why this movie has so many negative reviews. It's a solid 9.4/10, but I'm giving it 10 for good measure. It is everything a Star Wars movie should be and is deliberately meant to mirror the story of A New Hope except thatI don't understand why this movie has so many negative reviews. It's a solid 9.4/10, but I'm giving it 10 for good measure. It is everything a Star Wars movie should be and is deliberately meant to mirror the story of A New Hope except that it will allow for the next two movies to be very different from Empire and Return. Kylo Ren is very cool, his voice is amazing. Sure there are flaws, but what sci-fi adventure movie doesn't have flaws. This isn't meant to be a Kubrick epic, it's very much a Star Wars film and I loved every second of it. I love the lore and the themes of Star Wars. It's a story of true mythology and antiquity. Expand
9 of 60 users found this helpful951
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9
LandonTDec 24, 2015
Great Star Wars movie. The characters were great, the story was great, and the action was fairly good. My only complaints are that it was a bit slow action-wise, but that's because it's beginning the new trilogy, and also that the whole plotGreat Star Wars movie. The characters were great, the story was great, and the action was fairly good. My only complaints are that it was a bit slow action-wise, but that's because it's beginning the new trilogy, and also that the whole plot seemed kind of similar to A New Hope. Not extremely, but there were some similarities.

Overall, this movie was not a disappointment and is a fresh entry into the new trilogy. Go see it.
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3 of 25 users found this helpful322
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0
G-YoDec 24, 2015
Have you seen a Star Wars A New Hope ? Then you've seen the Force Awakens.

If you think that's bad, unfortunately that's not all. Actually, it gets worse. This movie not only borrows HEAVILY from its predecessors, it is INCONSISTENT
Have you seen a Star Wars A New Hope ? Then you've seen the Force Awakens.

If you think that's bad, unfortunately that's not all.

Actually, it gets worse. This movie not only borrows HEAVILY from its predecessors, it is INCONSISTENT with what has already been established in the Star Wars Universe. Unoriginal, uninspired and undoing what we have come to accept as constants in the Star Wars Universe.

Actually, it gets even worse. This movie is not only inconsistent with the Star Wars Universe, it lacks character development, and relies far too heavily on nostalgia. Others have stated it amounts to poorly done fan fiction. I would have to agree. I couldn't help but thinking to myself damn Mr. XXXX looks soooo old... Believe it or not, it actually killed the nostalgia for me and made me wish I hadn't seen the character/actor like that. I would have preferred to remember him/her in her prime, 30 years ago.

To be honest, it gets even worse, the plot twists are obvious and there is an abundance of coincidence used to move the story along.

This was not a good movie.
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57 of 96 users found this helpful5739
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1
kintarooeDec 24, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I created a metacritic account just for this movie. It sucks, seriously. Like it's been said in previous reviews the story is horrible, the relationships between characted terrible, the character developpement non existent, the villain ridiculous, humor is misplaced (this is not the avengers.) And what the **** is Voldemort doing here ?

I'll add that WE ARE IN 2015 : pretty SFX are standard now. It was amazing back in 70's/80's and was sufficient to make a great movie. But it's not anymore.

Did you watch Starship troopers ? And then did you watch Starship Troopers 2 ? That's it, same sensation. But imagine there was all that big hype around starship troopers 2 and everyone said it was the greatest movie of all time. And you're here like : wait...what ??
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56 of 94 users found this helpful5638
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3
icaci90Dec 24, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this movie is way better than any of the prequels but it's just "a new hope" with different characters( of course related to the old ones). what's really upsetting me is the fact that all the critic reviews are way too positive. I mean are you really praising JJ abrams for directing a movie that has no new ideas(first order=empire, star killer=death star,Rey=luke,Leia is still the rebels commander etc.)? and what about the villain? he's just like a teenage boy who's got issues with his parents. i know that this movie was made for the fan-dom but that doesn't justify the lack of originality. Expand
50 of 84 users found this helpful5034
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3
VindoR_Dec 24, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Overall a very disapointing movie:
- the plot is basicly the original trilogy condensed in 2h16min, but done very badly, full of plot holes and non sensical situations
- the really fast paced rythm doesnt allow for any emotional connection whatsoever, even the death han solo is brushed off in 2 minutes
- the darth vader rep aka kylo ren is beyond ridiculous, the CGI emperor clone is average at best
- and most surprising of all even the music is subpar, never though i would say that about a john williams score but here it is, its like he knew he was doing a cash grab for kids and didnt even try.
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42 of 71 users found this helpful4229
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8
flm4lifeDec 24, 2015
People who rate a movie at a 0 or a 10 should never rate a movie. No movie is perfect. No movie is purely so bad it deserves a 0. I ignore those reviews. Is this movie perfect. Heck no. Is it fun it fun to watch. Absolutely. It is the soul ofPeople who rate a movie at a 0 or a 10 should never rate a movie. No movie is perfect. No movie is purely so bad it deserves a 0. I ignore those reviews. Is this movie perfect. Heck no. Is it fun it fun to watch. Absolutely. It is the soul of what made the originals great. The actors are good. The effects are good. Expand
7 of 29 users found this helpful722
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6
MrInkyDec 24, 2015
Modern remake of first Star Wars movie Different name but same movie with updated cast. If you are 10-20 years old new great movie, over 50 waste of time snd money
13 of 23 users found this helpful1310
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6
Nobilis1984Dec 24, 2015
Good star War Film, however, more not.
As a fan of the episodes 4-7 the film is worth for me well, however, not the hype. It is to be started to reach surely hardly anew and a similar Fastination of the first three parts. But what one has
Good star War Film, however, more not.
As a fan of the episodes 4-7 the film is worth for me well, however, not the hype. It is to be started to reach surely hardly anew and a similar Fastination of the first three parts. But what one has promised has not been kept.
The old stars show the young savage like one must do it. Without Chewi, Han Solo, princess Leia and hatch the film would be disappointing. Two new young actors will have to become it very hard cult characters. New "Darth Vader" is ridiculous for me. He hardly has fear factor also whom he his father kills.
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9 of 27 users found this helpful918
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3
ariansandDec 24, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie was horrendous. But let's just break it down:
1. Almost no story. Really thinking about it, what exactly happened in over 2 hours was almost nothing.
2. They just replaced Han Solo with this unknown girl.
3. Luke Skywalker appeared only at the very end of the movie. Consistent with the Di$ney's moneywhoring with 1 star wars film until infinity. They will ruin the franchise forever. This is only the beginning.
4. Another Death star lookalike. Just why?
5. The main villain was ridiculous. Why would he wear the darth vader type of helmet when his face wasn't distorted. Makes no sense whatsoever.
6. Piss poor acting.
7. Really? A random black "traitor" just picks up the lightsaber and he almost defeats the main villain.
Then the girl who has not been trained by any jedi or sith just totally decimates the main villain. It is just ridiculous.
8. The events were so predictable. There was not a single event that was even remotely surprising.
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48 of 81 users found this helpful4833
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4
TrillcosbeyDec 24, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This film had so much going for it and really fell flat on its face.
The main antagonist is a spoiled brat that has tempter tantrums, ( he had it rough mommy and daddy were so mean they didnt let him play with uncle Luke.) So lame.
The story is just retarded, So the rebels won but they are still rebels??? and the bad guys lost so they have to make another newer death star that is 9-11 times a hundred!!!! cant the bad guys or the writers for that matter just come up with a new way to show how bad they are??
The players are just rehashed redux of the original players new luke is a female new leia is a dude who used to be a storm trooper new vaders a big baby like the old vader ( if we watch the last 3 awful films. )
I have lost any hope for this franchise, it is really just a big wealth generating machine for disney.
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26 of 46 users found this helpful2620
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0
lyashuk_dimaDec 24, 2015
Really disappointing experience! Watched the original trilogy as a teenager and this was a bad remake of the first movie, but also parts taken from second and third movie. I don't understand the professional critics, how can they rate thisReally disappointing experience! Watched the original trilogy as a teenager and this was a bad remake of the first movie, but also parts taken from second and third movie. I don't understand the professional critics, how can they rate this movie so high? Expand
43 of 73 users found this helpful4330
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3
Simple1DEADec 24, 2015
In a world where there are nuances and parodies of Star Wars everywhere from Spaceballs to Family Guy I would never have thought the franchise itself would fall victim to this trend. The similarities with A New Hope are endless but that's notIn a world where there are nuances and parodies of Star Wars everywhere from Spaceballs to Family Guy I would never have thought the franchise itself would fall victim to this trend. The similarities with A New Hope are endless but that's not what I'm going to write about. Star Wars always has an honest story to tell. This was more fan fiction than film yet even fan fiction can still be great. Some people don't understand that there's more to Star Wars than lightsabers and spaceships. The originals was a story about a revolution in a pirate themed sci-fi world with heavy Taoist philosophy and samurai. The prequels were sort of a cold war/medieval war blend, freedom vs fascism, and the originals being good vs evil. This film's themes were just so bland! I love a fun movie but in the end, it's completely worthless without proper context.

It's strange that there was nothing I can call original or a motif but only things that were rehashes. The film fails to have an identity of it's own. It isn't genuine or adventurous enough to be considered Star Wars. Many people have a positive attitude to the notion of Star Wars being a massive Universe with limitless possibilities. When I watch a Star Wars movie I always say to myself ''wow what an engaging story'' and if you summarize the plot into one sentence it would give me chills reading it. Sadly the newest instalment offers nothing interesting, nothing that captures the imagination. There's no context and Star Wars is often about context. There's no investment hence there is no pay-off, there's no stakes hence there is nothing to give a **** about.
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82 of 138 users found this helpful8256
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10
BibafattyDec 24, 2015
The movie is about an 8.5 to 9. Voted 10 because like most online polls you have to vote to the extreme since people will say its either 0 or 10. So vote with the heart. If you don't drown yourself in science babble or cry about it notThe movie is about an 8.5 to 9. Voted 10 because like most online polls you have to vote to the extreme since people will say its either 0 or 10. So vote with the heart. If you don't drown yourself in science babble or cry about it not being a perfect film you will enjoy it. If you are the type that hangs on every little flaw and cant accept anything but yourself as perfect you likely won't. Take it as you will. Expand
9 of 35 users found this helpful926
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10
SkyzerDec 24, 2015
Amazing!I got great pleasure from viewing. The spirit of the classic trilogy pleasantly surprised. A lot of really funny jokes and the return of old friends)
7 of 36 users found this helpful729
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9
Movie1997Dec 24, 2015
It's been 10 years since we've last experienced a Star Wars movie (not including the Clone Wars cartoon movie). We've had good one and we've had bad ones. So the question is, does "The Force Awakens" hold up? Yes! I believe it does. AndIt's been 10 years since we've last experienced a Star Wars movie (not including the Clone Wars cartoon movie). We've had good one and we've had bad ones. So the question is, does "The Force Awakens" hold up? Yes! I believe it does. And here's why. It captured the beauty and essence of what makes Star Wars great. The music, the action sequences, the great characters and the story. People have argued that it's just a rip off of A New Hope. While I agree it replicates A New Hope at parts, that's not what the story is about. I promise I won't spoil the main plot in case you haven't seen it. I love the new characters, particularly Daisy Ridley's Rey. She is a strong female character that is a blast to watch on screen. I also love Oscar Issac as Poe Dameron, John Boyega as Finn and even Adam Driver as Kylo Ren. He's a villain with a real internal conflict which makes his character fascinating to watch. Even the old cast is great once again, particularly Harrison Ford as Han Solo. But have to give credit where credit is due. J.J. Abrams directed a fantastic movie. He captured the heart and spirit of what made Star Wars unforgettable. He brought us new fantastic characters as well as brought back old characters we've come to know and love. There was a lot of passion from his directing and even writing alongside Larry Kasden and Michael Arndt. Now look, the movie does have some issues. The ending comes off as convenient, there is some noticeable CGI and elements of A New Hope are easily noticed, but it's the lure and spectacle that makes this movie so damn fun to watch. Overall, it's a return to form for Star Wars and i can't wait to see what's next in store. I give "The Force Awakens" an A! Expand
12 of 53 users found this helpful1241
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2
DenverLatinaDec 24, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. For all the hype, this movie fell many steps short. What a disappointment. While I enjoyed seeing old characters again, there is a reason Carrie Fisher has not had much success as an actress beyond Star Wars. She was absolutely horrible. There was very little story or character development. The new Dark Lord was portrayed as a whiny brat who threw temper tantrums, destroying his own ship, any time things didn't go his way. The plot jumped from scene to scene and there never really was a sense of menace from the 1st Order---whom the audience knows virtually nothing about. Silver linings - the new, diverse cast of main characters and John Williams film score (though it fell a little short on character themes). Bottom line - I want George Lucas back! Expand
77 of 129 users found this helpful7752
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9
PetePKDec 24, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An entertaining film, engaging characters, a story which at first seems to only touch the surface, but contains enough depth, emotional gravity and unanswered questions to set up the new trilogy.

This is my first time on metacritic and I notice its full of trolls who want everything explained to them and can call it plot hole if the explanation is not there. There are holes, its called backstory, information that will be revealed in the next installments. Heres my counterarguments to those with ADD or lack any real depth to think beyond the surface:

Rey learned the force to quick, it took Luke 3 films: Ummm, maybe she was trained? Maybe she had her memories suppressed by Luke to protect her? Maybe the "Awakening" is Rey starting to realize who she is? Maybe you have to wait till the next film to find out?

Han Solo just happened to show up: Han specifically stated when they were walking to the Cantina that he picked up the falcons signal when it reached space, that hes been looking for it a very long time. Learn to listen people.

Character Development: I think each new character was introduced well, great chemistry between them, comic relief with Finn and Poe. You don't know everything about them. You didn't know Luke and Leia were siblings till ep6, or Darth Vader was daddy till ep5. Rey seems like the force reborn. Maybe some of you just don't like black stormtroopers or Latino pilots or female leads and dislike the film without outright saying your prejudice -- that's a personal issue you need to deal with, take it somewhere else.

Remake of EP4, 5, 6: There are some parallels, but a lot of differences in each new character backstory that we do not fully know about yet. Its given there was going to be a dark side character and that ep1-9 will be about skywalkers, so there will be similarities. Perhaps your hungry for a whole new story not about skywalkers. The only thing that bugged me was Death Star 3.0, but it didn't ruin the movie for me. It was bigger. more deadly and the New Order wanted to take the galaxy by fear. Like in real life, we created bigger and deadlier weapons to kill each other with, same thing here. Its ok, don't have a stroke.

But there are some who actually offer constructive criticism who make some valid points but enjoyed the movie for the most part. Read those, disregard the trolls who are probably unhappy about their own lives.

This is what I got out of it:

Remember this conversation between Luke and Yoda in empire?
Luke: I saw…I saw a city in the clouds.
Yoda: [nods] Friends you have there.
Luke: They were in pain…
Yoda: It is the future you see.
Luke: The future? Will they die?
[Yoda closes his eyes for a moment]
Yoda: Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future.
Luke: I’ve got to go to them.
Yoda: Decide you must, how to serve them best. If you leave now,
help them you could, but you would destroy all for which they have
fought, and suffered."

I think this is the link between the original trilogy and ep7. Yoda didn't say might or could, he said, " would destroy." Luke was impatient, went to save his friends instead of heeding Yoda's vision, which leads to the chaos in ep7. If Luke had not gone, Lando would have saved Leia and the gang anyway, Han may have died or been shipped off to Jabba. If Han had died in ep5, Kylo Ren would never exist, the story would have played out differently. Its to early to project what could of happened if Luke stayed with Yoda or what will happen in the next films. But what ep7 does offer is the rise of Kylo Ren/Snoke and the destruction of the Republic Capital/Fleet -- which fulfills Yoda's vision in ep5. Instead of rushing in and saving his friends, Luke decided to wait this time, in exile. Maybe he had his own vision when Ben Solo turned and saw Rey as the one who will bring balance to the force (leaving a map for Rey to find him). There is a reason he is in exile beyond feeling ashamed about Ben Solo or not wanting to help his friends,we'll just have to wait and see; it's what makes ep 7 and all its unanswered questions a hook for the next films. The last shot of ep 7 shows this symbolically, when Rey, the next great hope, returns the lightsaber he lost in Cloud City, which carried all the mistakes and history of Anakin and Luke. All we can hope for now is that Rey doesn't make the same mistakes and listens to the will of the force.
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6 of 30 users found this helpful624
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10
Flipper1Dec 24, 2015
I stood in line for 6 hours for A New Hope with my 6 year old little bro. This made it all worth it. All we can talk about is the next movie. Haters are going to hate (reviewers). I've not been this emotional in a movie in decades. ThisI stood in line for 6 hours for A New Hope with my 6 year old little bro. This made it all worth it. All we can talk about is the next movie. Haters are going to hate (reviewers). I've not been this emotional in a movie in decades. This movie was a big part of our childhood and JJ was up to the task. Hear, hear, JJ, hear hear. Expand
6 of 28 users found this helpful622
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9
mannycapozziDec 24, 2015
Like many others, I went into The Force Awakens with skeptical optimism that it the dialogue and acting would be better than the prequels. Not only was I not disappointed, but the the movie far surpassed my expectations and I felt like StarLike many others, I went into The Force Awakens with skeptical optimism that it the dialogue and acting would be better than the prequels. Not only was I not disappointed, but the the movie far surpassed my expectations and I felt like Star Wars was back. Bravo! Expand
15 of 37 users found this helpful1522
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3
Shion16Dec 24, 2015
It's a fun movie, but really REALLY uninspired.
It's just episode 4 with different characters.
Also there's some out of nowhere moments that really kills the tension, mostly about our resident mary sue main character.
38 of 64 users found this helpful3826
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10
LucioCirelliDec 24, 2015
This is the movie of the year. Doesn't care if some people criticized it for being "boring", "similar to the original trilogy" or that the "story isn't original". This isn't a perfect film, but it's a extraordinary start for the resurrectionThis is the movie of the year. Doesn't care if some people criticized it for being "boring", "similar to the original trilogy" or that the "story isn't original". This isn't a perfect film, but it's a extraordinary start for the resurrection of the saga many people love and cherish. Expand
6 of 33 users found this helpful627
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8
JHylerDec 24, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great revitalization of the Star Wars franchise, but this movie is literally a remake of Episode IV: A droid with valuable information is sent off into the desert, a masked figure shows up right after, captures and tortures the person for information. (Darth Vader in a new hope and now the new less threatening Vader, Kylo Ren). The droid finds its way to the new Luke Skywalker(probably his daughter), Rey, a character that knows nothing of the universe but is very powerful and is meant for more. They even both live in a similar place, a desert with bandits and thieves and the place is attacked and destroyed like Lukes home was. Then they meet Solo who tells them all about the force and what has happened just like Obi-Wan told Luke in A New Hope. They go to a cantina filled with different aliens and there is even a live band. The rebel or alliance base is located on a forest covered planet, Leia is stationed behind a control room just like in episode 4 while the alliance, covered in orange jump suits plan an attack on the Third Death Star. This new death star even has the same design flaw, where the hero flies down a narrow pathway and shoots something inside to blow it up. Hans Death is Obi-Wans death in episode 4. A father like figure in Han and Obi-Wan, hero's stand helplessly by as he dies, Rey even screams noo! just like Luke did. It's the exact same plot just certain parts are in a different order. Very creative! (sarcasm). It also is a very rushed film. For this I think it is because each new film is being directed by a new person. J.J Abrams for Episode VII, Episode VIII is Rian Johnson, and Episode IV is Colin Trevorrow. I think Abrams want to get as much in this movie as possible and get credit for certain aspects of the story that could have, and should have, been developed later. The fact that Rey, a person that has only known about the force for a few days and has never been trained at all can defeat Kylo Ren, someone that has been trained by Luke Skywalker, one of the most powerful jedi ever, and also trained by Snoke I'm sure very powerful. This felt very rushed and lazy, she can even do the jedi mind trick. This was great visually and added great new actors into the mix, but it was just Episode 4 A New Hope 2.0, and a very rushed episode 4 at that. Hopefully the next 2 movies don't make these mistakes. Expand
4 of 19 users found this helpful415
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7
BikerjamesDec 24, 2015
This was a difficult movie to rate. The movie is well made, the action sequences are thrilling, and it was fun to see all the characters from the original trilogy. But ultimately, the movie is a carbon copy of the first Star Wars filmThis was a difficult movie to rate. The movie is well made, the action sequences are thrilling, and it was fun to see all the characters from the original trilogy. But ultimately, the movie is a carbon copy of the first Star Wars film (episode 4), and was almost jaw dropping how it completely stole the story line from that film. It was so predictable throughout that it ruined the scene where Han confronts his son, because you knew what was going to happen. Ultimately I left the theater feeling disappointed. I'm hoping the next one has an original plot. Expand
17 of 42 users found this helpful1725
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4
SiMarcosDec 24, 2015
The good reviews were bought and sold by Disney. The truth: Terrible writing, plot holes galore, and you will have not the slightest care for why Rey and Finn are doing what they're doing. Nor is there any aptly justified reason for whyThe good reviews were bought and sold by Disney. The truth: Terrible writing, plot holes galore, and you will have not the slightest care for why Rey and Finn are doing what they're doing. Nor is there any aptly justified reason for why certain things happen. The entire plot is a shoddy rehash of Ep. IV plot. Nothing original. Cartoonishly bad casting/acting/direction for all bad guys. I mean, it's just really bad. Watching that ginger-haired general and twitchy, uncertain Kylo Ren was like seeing scrappy adolescents playing Star Wars in a basement.

Horrific plot twist that went totally unjustified by its doer. Who we don't grow to fear, anyway.

Other reviews say it all. Solid 4.0 out of 10 for the film, 1.0 out of 10 for Star Wars.

Also, funny to note: all of the GOOD and seemingly very plastic reviews written on here have generally 1/20 ratings as "helpful" while all of the BAD reviews have like 16/20 on average. Use that as a metric for what the truth actually is. It's impossible to be intelligent and like this film.
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52 of 86 users found this helpful5234
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2
Dude77Dec 24, 2015
This was nothing but a high-budget fan fiction.

I had a completely open mind, and during the first half-hour I actually really enjoyed it. And then in true J.J. Abrams fashion, it became apparent that there really was no point, and that
This was nothing but a high-budget fan fiction.

I had a completely open mind, and during the first half-hour I actually really enjoyed it. And then in true J.J. Abrams fashion, it became apparent that there really was no point, and that it was being made up as they went. The prequels had a long list of flaws, but they at least had heart, whereas this one is a soulless counterfeit.

The viewers who are rating this 10/10 will say that critical reviewers are just looking for something to be upset about. Not true. It’s completely reasonable to be disappointed by such a slap-dash, string of stitched-together nonsense presented as a coherent story.

I guess for some fans, no dramatic tension or pacing is needed – just neat ships and fun action – like when playing action figures or video games. And all this talk of “nostalgia…” The original Star Wars wasn’t good because of “nostalgia.” So while some viewers enjoyed the jokes and the self-parodying, force-fed references to other Star Wars movies, what makes a movie work is and always will be competent storytelling.

The problem is that Disney has heard loud and clear that playing to the lowest common denominator sells tickets, so they have no reason not to continue to do so.
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163 of 274 users found this helpful163111
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0
TtmDec 24, 2015
Unbelievable rehash. Did someone pay the critics to give it 5 stars? Are we Americans that thick that we can't recognize a re-run when we see it? Did we all watch the same movie?

I was really looking forward to seeing this--I have all
Unbelievable rehash. Did someone pay the critics to give it 5 stars? Are we Americans that thick that we can't recognize a re-run when we see it? Did we all watch the same movie?

I was really looking forward to seeing this--I have all of the series at home and have watched them several times.

But... For the first time ever, I fell asleep watching a movie in a theater. No wonder Ford had to be paid so much to do this project; who would want to act in a movie that he's already done before? Both Ford and Fisher looked extremely bored, and rightly so.

All JJ Adams did was take out an old Star Wars script, change some of the names and scene locations and make the boom booms bigger, and that's it. Oh, and he also cut out *all* of the character and plot development (why bother if its the same story over again?) and sped the movie up for the Attention Deficit folks.
I cared *nothing* for the characters, and I now care nothing for the Star Wars franchise which was created, obviously, to make lots of money off of people who don't understand that they're being taken for a $$$ ride.
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81 of 136 users found this helpful8155
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10
lucyskyDec 24, 2015
Wow! what a movie! great to see such a talented young actress in Daisy Ridley taking the film by the scruff of the neck. loved everything about this. The new characters are brill especially Adam Driver loved him as Ren. good story andWow! what a movie! great to see such a talented young actress in Daisy Ridley taking the film by the scruff of the neck. loved everything about this. The new characters are brill especially Adam Driver loved him as Ren. good story and practical effects. and to all the haters this film is the biggest ever!! with media and fan ratings going through the roof, this site alone is posting 1746 positive ratings to only 400 negative, Rotten Tomatoes have given it 95%. not sure what film you watched at the Cinema but your opinions are definately in the minority, next time a Star Wars film is released do us all a favour and stay at home. x Expand
7 of 35 users found this helpful728
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3
DafuzzDec 24, 2015
If you thought Jar Jar Binks was bad, then just wait until you see what Jar Jar Abrams has in store for you.

First off, the writing is very poor and comes over like poorly written fan fiction. This movie lacks a real plot, character
If you thought Jar Jar Binks was bad, then just wait until you see what Jar Jar Abrams has in store for you.

First off, the writing is very poor and comes over like poorly written fan fiction. This movie lacks a real plot, character development, character chemistry and any logical connection between most scenes. The main villain isn't even menacing, he just feels like a hot-tempered cry baby who throws temper tantrums like a little brat. He even has problems fighting the weakest non-force sensitive characters in close combat because he suddenly forgets how to use his force powers thanks to the awful writing. All of the supporting characters, even returning ones, are extremely shallow. Only the main character and one very beloved returning character have anything redeemable about them, and the latter is only on screen for about 30 seconds.

The directing is also abysmal. There are just so many unflattering camera angles, poorly choreographed as well crudely visualised scenes and the pacing is simply awkward. Jar Jar Abrams never went to film school, and oh boy, his abysmal directing skills really show in this movie. The only thing that Jar Jar Abrams seems to have gotten right was copying the aesthetics of the Original Trilogy, although he completely fails at implementing it in a creative and artistic way to please the audience.

Only the final scene can bring any redemption to this trainwreck, but it is not enough to save it from being a bad film. If you only care about flashy lights shown in an awkward manner, then this is the film for you. Otherwise stay away. 3/10
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136 of 224 users found this helpful13688
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0
Warbring3rDec 24, 2015
The Prequels were better at everything except Disney's Marketing Machine. Worse than Into Darkness. A shallow rewrite of A New Hope. 100% bald-faced cash-grab the ends on a cringe-inducing cliffhanger. Go see The Revenant or the Hateful EightThe Prequels were better at everything except Disney's Marketing Machine. Worse than Into Darkness. A shallow rewrite of A New Hope. 100% bald-faced cash-grab the ends on a cringe-inducing cliffhanger. Go see The Revenant or the Hateful Eight instead. The "NO SPOILERS" move by Disney was genius, otherwise everyone would've realized it was a New Hope retread with bigger plot holes and a bigger death star.

I never thought I'd say this, but I miss Jar Jar.
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53 of 91 users found this helpful5338
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9
YellowKirbyDec 24, 2015
Way better than A New Hope. I'm sorry, dedicated fans, but this one just has MUCH more story, humour and focuses more on what the fans want to see, like Han Solo and Kylo Ren.

What didn't work: While this was a fantastic movie, there was a
Way better than A New Hope. I'm sorry, dedicated fans, but this one just has MUCH more story, humour and focuses more on what the fans want to see, like Han Solo and Kylo Ren.

What didn't work: While this was a fantastic movie, there was a scene or two I would cut out, such as Han Solo's introductory scene. I think Han needed a better introduction back into Star Wars. Also, Oscar Isaac's character Poe Dameron is great from what we see, but just doesn't get enough screen time. I look forward to seeing him in future films. It's also a little weird that Domhnall Gleeson has a British accent when he's Irish. Either get a real British actor or make him Irish. What's up with that? Finally, Gwendoline Christie's character Captain Phasma is very underdeveloped. She just kind of walks around and looks cool.

What worked: This film is like a remake of A New Hope, but that's not a bad thing. In fact, it's like J.J. took A New Hope and emphasised all our favourite things, like Han Solo, the bad guys, and the quips, while also minimising the things that didn't work. Daisy Ridley's Rey is a brilliant character; the best Star Wars girl since Leia. She's got a career ahead of her! And Adam Driver's Kylo Ren is also brilliant. Andy Serkis portrays Supreme Leader Snoke superbly, and I certainly can't wait to see more of him in future episodes.

In short, The Force Awakens is the best Star Wars film since Empire, and I would definitely recommend to all fans of the Star Wars saga, and indeed the sci-fi genre.
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16 of 66 users found this helpful1650
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0
MaXiMuS_54Dec 24, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Movie is just a rewrite of the originals. Its basically a feminist remake with a bunch of plot holes. There's hardly any introduction, to sum it up its says "Luke isn't in this movie, and now an edgy cult order rules the galaxy." The new girl literally does whatever she wants with no training. She even tells Han Solo how to fly his freaking ship. Which she even stole it as well with 0 effort because there's no security at all on it (no wonder why Han Solo lost his ship in the first place to random bandits) How an insult like this to Han Solo is even allowed to exist is beyond me. So the girl is the "chosen one" except apparently with no flaws. Kylo Ren is just another conflicted Vader who is at the whim of the top dog. They couldn't even do a big dramatic reveal that hes the son of Solo. Its told in a freaking mission briefing, wow how dramatic. No other movie in existence has messed even that up. So they're all brought together and forced into action over an important message a droid has which is held by discount R2-D2. The character names aren't even good, Finn, Rey and Snoke? I mean you use a name that is close to Snooki for the discount emperor? By this point you already know where everything is going, no need to comment further. The movie is an offensive feminist plagiarizing remake of the originals. 0/10 Expand
50 of 84 users found this helpful5034
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1
AnaxamanderDec 24, 2015
The story was a steaming pile of implausible conveniences.
but it looked great, except the calamari and pancake face somehow looked more plastic than they did in the previous movies.
61 of 101 users found this helpful6140
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9
hagelt18Dec 23, 2015
This movie may not be a perfect 10, but it sure is not a 0.

I had a blast watching this movie. I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish and that's exactly what I hoped for. I get the dissatisfaction regarding the parallels with
This movie may not be a perfect 10, but it sure is not a 0.

I had a blast watching this movie. I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish and that's exactly what I hoped for. I get the dissatisfaction regarding the parallels with ANH, but it's grossly overplayed. Looking through some of these reviews, it seems clear that some people are dead set on being as disappointed as possible.
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9 of 39 users found this helpful930
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5
12333dannyDec 23, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ok so I thought it was a good movie but it was not worth all the hype. If you are an all out fan such as myself i would not recommend seeing it in theater. If you are an all out fan you would understand that it is just bits and pieces taken from the old movies and put into a new one. The force awakens does not have a good flow and kinda everywhere with the plot. There are many new characters and abilities that are introduced. Ray is a new character WITH NO BACK ROUND AT ALL which is very annoying which many people including myself think she is Lukes daughter. Which brings me to another point Luke Skywalker is in the movie once for about 30 seconds and has no lines which is disappointing i was hoping to see more of him. Another thing Han Solo and Laya have a kid which no one knew about but he is all of a suddon on the dark side and once agian he has no back round or information all anyone knows that he is Han Solo's kid It was just a remake of episode 4 and is super predictable and it was a bad remake at that..... another thing if you are going to make another movie in the series stick to the facts STORMTROOPERS CANNOT TAKE OF THERE HELMET KEEP IT THAT WAY there are so many things off about it i would wait till it comes out to see it dont waste your money on it Expand
18 of 30 users found this helpful1812
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8
TheWhoDoctorDec 23, 2015
BRILLIANT,EXCITING,VIOLENT. J.J Abrams has once again taken a beloved movie franchise, and saved from the darkness it had previously fallen(HINT HINT, the prequels, HINT HINT) and turned it into a smash hit. Now i'm a little biased, sinceBRILLIANT,EXCITING,VIOLENT. J.J Abrams has once again taken a beloved movie franchise, and saved from the darkness it had previously fallen(HINT HINT, the prequels, HINT HINT) and turned it into a smash hit. Now i'm a little biased, since i've been a STAR WARS fan since i grew up, this movie really took a new role in the franchise, Bringing in new faces and old ones, filming on set locations, back to the original source. many people criticize this movie due to the fact that its plot is similar to a NEW HOPE,well so was RETURN of the JEDI, a movie we take to our hearts was a relish of the first one. THE FORCE AWAKENS, however brought in new ideas and many twists in turns in it that you dont want to miss a single second. I give this an 8 because the plot was so-what similar to a new hope, lack of character development(Captain plasma,Poe,Luke,leia,etc). Expand
6 of 26 users found this helpful620
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7
crit-sDec 23, 2015
The film is cotton candy - tasty, but not filling. This movie is an 8.25 if you look at it stand-alone and blank-out that anything else related came before it. That said, I watched 2 trailers and saw the movie poster and wrote what IThe film is cotton candy - tasty, but not filling. This movie is an 8.25 if you look at it stand-alone and blank-out that anything else related came before it. That said, I watched 2 trailers and saw the movie poster and wrote what I thought would be the plot - Sometimes I even amazing myself...Unfortunately :(

If you have watched Episodes 4-6, and are a FILM connoisseur - you will give it a 4 or lower, because of the lack of originality.

IF you are a Star Wars fan and not a film connoisseur you'll give it a 9.

I'll average them and call it a solid 7.

The Good:
-Main two characters are great - Great job by the actors.
-Sound is excellent.
-Opening 25 min is strong and fresh.
-Mandatory "Hidden Fortress" sidekick BB8 is better that C3PO and equal to R2.
-Han Solo continues to be a good supporting character.
-Pretty locations that are not purely CGI.

The Bad:
- Recycled plot - Carrion birds don't pick at corpses the way this film gores itself on the plot of Episode 4, while dining on the best bits of Episode 5 and 6 too.
- Missed opportunities to tell more about the state of the galaxy, 30 years since Episode 6.
- A few bad edits and weird changes in depth of field.
- I think could tell which scenes were filmed first with Leia, because I think she had "acting rust" she had to rid herself of.
- A few bad choices in CGI usage...
- Bad Guy is angsty; which not scary or intimidating - and his motivations are a complete mystery. (Well acted though)
- Lead character is improbably good at everything - AKA Mary Sue.

The Ugly:
- Plot holes...
- Disney corporatism.
- JJ Abrams’ ability to always leave a project feeling unfinished.

Final thoughts:Imagine - there was a theme park with awesome rollercoaster you visited frequently as kid. Now, a large corporation bought out the theme park and opened up a new area of the park. The first coaster they built they copied the designs of the coasters you loved as a kid, but scaled it down a bit and took out some the twists – leaving you to feel like it was unfinished. Why? Because they wanted to play it safe, because if they made it too different, they might not profit as much and not make that All Important and Singular Driving Force in their industry (as they see it) ROI.

Sorry I had a lot to say...
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13 of 33 users found this helpful1320
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0
ShowtimerDec 23, 2015
This movie was an insult to anyone who ever loved Star Wars. How can Abrams just grab elements from previous Star Wars films, cobble them together, and call it episode 7 as if it's a new episode? I could not be more disappointed. Astonishing.
77 of 130 users found this helpful7753
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2
SchmelkesDec 23, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm literally baffled at the uniformly high reviews for Episode VII. The new Darth Vader is the child of Han Solo and Princess Leia! A tormented psychopath who only moments after participating in the annihilation of an entire planet, has this forlorn mother pleading with Han Solo to "bring our boy home." Good God, talk about failed parenting! The writing is atrocious-- particularly the second and third acts (the first ast was kind of fun!). Character actions often seem preposterous and totally unmotivated. And then there's the whole issue of harnessing the Force. No longer is this something that has to be earned and studied--no, that would be too hard and actually take some thought on the writers' behalf. Here the force is a birthright, something that if you merely grimace and groan will flood you with a host of supernatural powers. Oy, I could go on and on... I wanted to have a good time, I really did. I loved the original 3. I've got a pair of young boys who I'd love to share this with, but the writing here was appalling and the movie just plan old bad. Expand
84 of 144 users found this helpful8460
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0
MadeonDec 23, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "So this is what happens when Disney buys a franchise - Cut out the best parts of the previous parts, clue them together somehow, put a lot of state of the art CGI on top of it, then sell it as a "rejuvenation / fresh start". In fact, its just all the same stuff all over again. " Agree.

Plus I feel like it's a Star Wars for teenager. What a **** bad script..
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30 of 56 users found this helpful3026
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9
Th3GreenHorne7Dec 23, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is an amazing but not original film but shines so brightly that made us realize that J.J Abrams did it right. This film is funny as hell which is great, it's probably the funniest of the series, and it caught me by surprised because even though the film was funny, it had a very dark tone to it which also caught me by surprise because the first thing you get a real good look at is the new villain Kylo Ren who has quite the story you have to see for yourself. That's another great thing about this film, the cast, the clash with the old school cast of the original trilogy and the rise of the new cast for the new trilogy. The interesting new female lead star Daisy Ridley who plays Rey, a scavenger on Jakku who runs into a BB-8 droid who belongs to a Resistance fighter pilot, and Rey can be related to being a female Luke Skywalker, and that is where the originality really disappears in the film. Then there is the new male lead star who plays Finn a rouge Stormtrooper who runs into Rey and BB-8 on Jakku after crash landing in a Tie Fighter with the Resistance Fighter Pilot named Poe. Finn is played by British actor John Boyega, and Poe is played by Ex Machina star Oscar Issac. Kylo Ren is played by This is where I leave You star Adam Driver. Then here we have the classic cast of Harrison Ford reprising his role as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, and lets not forget Mark Hamill who plays Luke Skywalker (SPOILER: Don't expect Skywalker to have very much screen time). The performance of the entire cast was amazing, I was surprised that the cast gave a very comical performance with great jokes and great emotion. The last thing that makes this film amazing are the beautiful sound effects and the bright and life-like CGI was quite the eye catcher which is not surprising but in a sense that was one of the things that caught you by surprise, I mean I was very impressed how the film looked and sounded, I was glad to here the sounds of the blasters. Overall I was very impressed by J.J Abrams by resurrecting the essence of the original trilogy with the birth of the 3rd trilogy in the series. Even though J.J will not be directing episodes 8 & 9, he was the right choice for the birth of this trilogy, I can't wait for Episode VIII in 2017 because The Force Awakens is a movie to remember. Expand
16 of 54 users found this helpful1638
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5
krisburturionDec 23, 2015
I went into this without much in the way of expectation. I love the originals and don`t care much for the prequels, although I found them entertaining on release and still like bits of them despite their many flaws.

I was quite into the
I went into this without much in the way of expectation. I love the originals and don`t care much for the prequels, although I found them entertaining on release and still like bits of them despite their many flaws.

I was quite into the film for about the first half hour or so, enjoying following the new characters (Boyega, Ridley and Isaac) all of whom are likeable and funny. I also felt a bit of nostalgia at the appearance of Solo and Chewie, all seemed to be going well. A number of questions about the universe we`ve been away from so long hadnt been answered and there were a few too many references or direct lifts from the originals but it all seemed to be going well and I was engaged.

As the film continued and It became obvious that it was just going to be a retread of the original peppered with bits and pieces of the others with a liberal dose of a fanservice and an odd amount of jokey humour It began to lose me. It felt like I was watching Star Trek Into Darkness or Prometheus again. Too many things happening simply because thats what happened in the originals or for plot convenience, to hell with whether it makes sense or not.

A very weak villain and how predictable it all got didnt help. Once I stopped caring, all the niggly little details that didnt make sense became much more noticeable. By the time the big moments of the movie happened I was just wishing for it to be over.

I can`t say it was terrible, but I don`t really see myself ever watching it again. All the good things are draped over an unimaginative retread of a classic. All the grand epic moments are either rushed past in the hurry to get to the next joke/reference or the the movie doesnt feel like its earned them.

They could of course try to use this as a start point for new stories and something better, but between the mystifyingly glowing reviews and fear of trying anything new they probably won`t. Which is a shame because I`m not interested in seeing more of this, which is probably what we`ll get.
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14 of 23 users found this helpful149
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0
BlackFox81Dec 23, 2015
this is a god awful remake of a new hope with elements of emprie and jedi thrown together. Very disappointing movie. actually very boring to be honest maybe this would have made a good star trek film but this is probably the worst star warsthis is a god awful remake of a new hope with elements of emprie and jedi thrown together. Very disappointing movie. actually very boring to be honest maybe this would have made a good star trek film but this is probably the worst star wars and that includes 1,2 and 3. Also all the new characters suck Expand
47 of 78 users found this helpful4731
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2
brianlearDec 23, 2015
Horrendous. An insult to our collective intelligence. Everyone has already said why it's so bad so I'll spare the details. This is one of the worst directed movies I have ever seen. The pacing is frantic. There is no coherence whatsoever.Horrendous. An insult to our collective intelligence. Everyone has already said why it's so bad so I'll spare the details. This is one of the worst directed movies I have ever seen. The pacing is frantic. There is no coherence whatsoever. They couldn't have butchered it any more. JJ Abrams really has shown himself to be one of the worst, most forgettable directors in history. This movie is so bad that it actually makes you like the prequels a lot more. Because now you realize how important story telling and pace are in a movie. Lucas is and always has been the master. This is a cheap, hollywood ripoff that was sold as something being really genuine. Shame on you Disney and JJ.

Also, is anyone else suspicious of some of the "reviews" on here? For example this one by "Criticfer":

"It has some things copied from the first trilogy , but what he did JJ Abrams with Star Wars is fantastic . The new characters will make you much pleasing (especially BB8), the action sequences, the comedy and the tragedy made ​​from classic to Star Wars. The villain is a bit queer , but looks better with his mask and his black suit. Star WarsThe Force Awankes delivers what it meets. It is not as extraordinary as episodes 4, 5 and 6, but is an excellent return to the galaxy"

There are several of these very short, 9/10 or 10/10 reviews that contain spelling mistakes--almost as if Disney is paying non-english speakers in other countries to write generic positive reviews and post them to the internet.

The whole thing is just sketchy.
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70 of 118 users found this helpful7048
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3
BBC1Dec 23, 2015
God, I was so dissapointed with this movie. It was honestly the worst film of the entire franchise. I never felt immersed in the movie and there were just to many awful moments for me to really enjoy. There were a few good action scenes, butGod, I was so dissapointed with this movie. It was honestly the worst film of the entire franchise. I never felt immersed in the movie and there were just to many awful moments for me to really enjoy. There were a few good action scenes, but there were too many awkward scenes. I am a huge star wars fan and i was majorly dissapointed. Expand
72 of 121 users found this helpful7249
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3
JamesCannonDec 23, 2015
Star Wars Episode VII: My Money Has Been Taken
How do we know the ending....when we haven't..seen the movie..wait stop the movie we have seen this before....unless they know..we were coming...evasive maneuvers regroup to holding sector
Star Wars Episode VII: My Money Has Been Taken
How do we know the ending....when we haven't..seen the movie..wait stop the movie we have seen this before....unless they know..we were coming...evasive maneuvers regroup to holding sector 37..Admiral we have copycats in sector 37....ITS A TRAP!
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65 of 111 users found this helpful6546
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0
Bazza72Dec 23, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 2 hour toy commercial. Seriously, that's what this movie is. A marketing exercise which has no regard or respect for the universe George Lucas created. Sure, the prequels were not great but this film didn't have a tenth of the atmosphere and production value they have.

From the opening scene I never at any point thought I was watching a Star Wars movie. There is no suspense or atmospher to the film.

The new characters are undeveloped and I just didn't care about them. Finn the storm trooper who does sanitation ? Is a bumbling idiot in combat.
Ray seems to be just there to appease the feminist/PC brigade by rejecting a mans help at everything and being able to do everything instantly like flying a ship, Jedi powers, combat with no training at all.

The baddie kylo ran or whatever was ok until he took the mask off to reveal a spotty teenager who throws the most laughable temper tantrums and despite being trained by golem gets his asked kicked by Finn and Ray who have never used a light sabre before

Harrison ford was the only good thing in this movie which brings me on to killing off Han Solo. It was done so badly it was awful. You could see it coming from a mile away.

Leia threepio Luke and Argo are just wheeled out along with props and settings from the original trilogy just to provide nostalgia and a week attempt to make it Star Wars.

The general and all the other actors gave pretty much soap acting at best and that include Finn.

The Death Star 3 lol was a joke with another single point of weakness. Oh and the republic gets destroyed by it but I didn't care it's just so badly written. General Leica is leader of a resistance who's "fleet" consists of about 8 swings ???

There is so much I could rant about that's bad I just cannot write it all up it would be a book. Basically Jo Abrams and Disney screwed Star Wars up and there's no way to unscrew it. And as another reviewer said it makes the prequels seem a whole lot better at least there was a story to them of some substance
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42 of 71 users found this helpful4229
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2
BroncoYehaDec 23, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was very disappointed with this movie as it essentially had the same plot as Star Wars A New Hope with a larger death star. There were so many plot holes and too many convenient coincidences (Rey finds Luke Skywalkers lightsaber in the basement of some bar??). The empire and rebellion have been replaced with the First Order and the Resistance, but the movie does not explain how these groups came to be. You have to wait until the end of the movie to see Luke Skywalker, and he does not even speak. Stick with the original Star Wars movies. I can't believe there were so many positive reviews for this movie! Ridiculous. Expand
68 of 115 users found this helpful6847
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10
roman_emperorDec 23, 2015
I loved this movie. I know that the sexists and racists have problems with this movie, but if you're a decent human being you'll love the fact that there is more racial diversity than in previous Star Wars film and you won't give a crap ifI loved this movie. I know that the sexists and racists have problems with this movie, but if you're a decent human being you'll love the fact that there is more racial diversity than in previous Star Wars film and you won't give a crap if the hero is a woman. Daisy Ridley is both a beautiful woman and an amazing actress. She made the movie what it is. Who said the Force had to be specific to men... Yes, she bests Ben. What's the problem. The movie makes it clear she know how to defend herself early. Think about it. She is a woman who was abandoned and had to grow up among thieves and scoundrels. It makes sense she knew how to somewhat hold a lightsaber at the end of the film. Additional, Ben was shot. He could have been dying as he had to face Fin and Rey. I don't think it was easy for him to swing a lightsaber when is bleeding to death.

The movie had amazing cinematography. The direction was solid. The acting overall was great, except for Carrie Fisher. She dropped the ball, and she's most probably the reason the final confrontation between Han and Ben wasn't as impacting. She either needs to step up, or they need to rethink her role in future films.

Harrison Ford was fun to see again in this movie. I hate that he died. I love Chewy.

I recommend you watch this movie. Hater will drag the score down, but the movie is great.
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7 of 52 users found this helpful745
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3
realrutzDec 23, 2015
There's so much true Star Wars fans have to be upset about with this movie. The most lacking factor was wow, wonderment and awe. Plus the fact that this film had no suspense and not one great action set piece. (a first for a Star Wars filmThere's so much true Star Wars fans have to be upset about with this movie. The most lacking factor was wow, wonderment and awe. Plus the fact that this film had no suspense and not one great action set piece. (a first for a Star Wars film and sad) TFA feels like Star Wars The TV Movie. And if it was a TV Movie on ABC, I would have been a little more impressed but this is the first Star Wars movie in theaters that is not an EPIC. I never felt transported to other worlds, I saw a desert and a forest with minimal production design. The Prequels are looking really good right now in that aspect (actually in every aspect). I give it two stars because of the actors and the "funny moments" but besides that it has no build up, at times its silly, and pandering. (I feel that John Williams had no idea how to score TFA because every action scene has no buildup thus no need for his amazing talent to give rise and build to scenes, not his fault) Rey has an unusual knowledge of the force, even though she has no real idea what it is. Things that took Luke 2 movie's to do, Rey did in 1 movie. I was reminded of this while watching The Empire Strikes Back when Luke is hanging upside down and is reaching for his Lightsaber, he is struggling to reach it and its very close by. Rey was able to do it with ease with no training from Yoda and from a much further distance. Its ugly women empowerment pandering "Anything you can do, I can do better" in a film series that is more about Father and Sons than anything else. They destroyed a bit of the gravity of the series with that nonsense throughout the film. And I am not a Women Empowerment hater, Mad Max: Fury Road and Jupiter Ascending proved that that sort of Propaganda if you will can be done right and us guys have to shut up because it was done with thoughtfulness and heart. TFA is not that, the whole film feels rushed especially the characters development.

My final negative point is something I read in another review which summed up my worst fears of what this film could have been which is:

"Which brings me to what I hated the most about the movie, and the main reason I'm giving it such a low score: it erases anything good and fulfilling we had at the end of Return of the Jedi. Every single one of the original heroes failed miserably in every aspects of their lives. Where is the reward for being good, just and do heroic deeds?
So... Han failed as a husband, as a father, as a member of the resistance and overall as a man (a bitter one it seems)... same goes for Leia (oh, she is a general of a sidekick cell that's supported by the republic... great). Luke is the worse of them all: failed as a jedi master, failed as a protector of the galaxy, as uncle, as friend, as brother, as the owner of R2D2"

TFA broods with so much negativity and abandons everything that our heroes fought so hard to protect. Its a huge slap in the face. It undermines the power of GOOD. Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Luke Skywalker all deserve a grace period after what they've been though and this film denied us that forever. We are right back in the same loop, and I get it most people come from broken homes, or fatherless childs, (I'm one of them) etc. But that doesn't mean films have to pander to society in such a manner. It could have been a great example to show that the GOOD in the world has to be protected and that its a torch of hope that we pass down to our children. TFA in my opinion has destroyed much history and has set us up for a very negative Trilogy, I guess one about the loop of destruction. And maybe that would have been acceptable if the movie was great via amazing set pieces, visual spectacle, wonderment, better pacing, a memorable score, and inspired production design but it didn't even do that. All things that are Star Wars Traditions. There's more of course, Plot holes all over the place and the misuse of Captain Phasma, is she dead?
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56 of 94 users found this helpful5638
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3
necromsisDec 23, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is a rehash of episode 4 a new hope with parts of previous movies. The little new the did was ok at best and generic at worst. It's the same empire versus rebels, shoot the weak point in the death star, lowly main character on desert planet wishes to be on an adventure.this movie literally doesn't advance the story of star wars at all. The story is a string of coincidences. The characters and their relationships are developed in an instant.

The actions scenes are from previous movies. The plot is from previous movies. The characters that are worth while are from previous movies. The locations are designed to look like ones from previous movies. I knew the ending just by watching a new hope. It's obvious that this wasn't intended to be a good movie but a good cash grab. Designed for nostalgia. Don't fall for it. It has good CGI and a star wars soundtrack, that's it.
The people I know who love this are bandwagon fans who quickly saw each trilogy only once without retaining anything and would cry for hours because a squirrel tripped.
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66 of 111 users found this helpful6645
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2
vicarianceDec 23, 2015
I thought the new characters were portrayed by the actors as well as the writers would allow, and therein lies the issue with this movie. It bottlenecks with the writing. Rife with plot holes often interpreted as teasers for VIII and IX orI thought the new characters were portrayed by the actors as well as the writers would allow, and therein lies the issue with this movie. It bottlenecks with the writing. Rife with plot holes often interpreted as teasers for VIII and IX or references to comics, books and other media, which no one should have to purchase in addition to get the entire story.

TFA was a simulacrum of a Star Wars movie, a two hour advertisement for merchandise and satellite media driven by the in-situ nostalgia of the boomers/X-ers and the generation-defining nostalgia of millenials: for the sake of authenticity, the desire for the "I was there" experiences for an age that never was.

Everyone rating this movie average and below has covered the bases. It's another bathtub fantasy on the silver screen, a wish-granting romp through daddy's things.
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81 of 132 users found this helpful8151
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0
RocknrebelDec 23, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First time review.

The people who gave this movie high scores must not have seen Episodes 1-6. If they had then they would give this movie a 0. I walked out of the theater astounded. The movie started off well then started a downward spiral to depths I have never seen before.

Plot: As tired and old as Carrie Fisher was in the movie. Why not come up with something original. They had total freedom to write what they wanted and they did nothing but recreate Episode 4. Nice one. This was a failure

Characters: Kylo Ren started out cool. Stops a laser bolt, Ruthlessly executes a old guy. Then they took all that away from him by giving him angsty teenager tantrums and allowed a janitor and young girl beat him in a light saber fight and the use of the force. Rey and Finn. I have no opinion as every scene was them running away from something while Rey is being told to us that she is a strong girl and doesn't need a man, while having Finn look like a buffoon in action, but somehow he comes up with EVERY IDEA in the movie. If you are unlucky enough to have to sit through this movie again just watch. Finn has every good idea, but can't do anything and in my opinion he is worse comic relief then Jar Jar Binks. Why does he have the stupid lines he does?

I am just tired of even thinking of this movie to continue writing.

So many plot holes, none of it made and sense or had any continuity. The force and training to use it was made a mockery. I saw the movie with my wife and when we were driving home she made the comment "I don't get it. Luke had to carry that frog around on his back for along time and train to do the things they made that girl do" (She isn't a Star Wars fan, and only watched the movies with me to get ready to watch TFA with me) Then she said "I don't know anything about Star Wars, but i think they messed this movie up"

My response was "You are right, they messed up, and I don't think there is any way to repair the damage"

For all of Lucas' faults he at least respected the force and understood a good story. TFA makes me appreciate episodes 1-3 in a new light.
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43 of 73 users found this helpful4330
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10
harryfordDec 23, 2015
The Force Awakens is the best film i have seen for a long time. It really is like watching a proper film from years ago, hardly no CGI, great characters, non stop action and the sort of film cinema was made for. 3rd best Star Wars film in myThe Force Awakens is the best film i have seen for a long time. It really is like watching a proper film from years ago, hardly no CGI, great characters, non stop action and the sort of film cinema was made for. 3rd best Star Wars film in my opinion. but what a trilogy we have coming. so made up for the prequels. Expand
5 of 43 users found this helpful538
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10
sage05Dec 23, 2015
Awesome new Star wars film just been and seen it for the 3rd time, and it just gets better and better, IMAX 3D is amazing. loving the new characters Rey Finn and Poe, cant wait to see how they develop. Kylo Ren great too. dont know what filmAwesome new Star wars film just been and seen it for the 3rd time, and it just gets better and better, IMAX 3D is amazing. loving the new characters Rey Finn and Poe, cant wait to see how they develop. Kylo Ren great too. dont know what film these people are watching who have rated it 0?? everyone I know who has seen the film love it. If I could rate the film 11 I would but 10 out of 10. and well done Disney and JJ. Expand
6 of 36 users found this helpful630
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2
gameLoopDec 23, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I almost never write a review. In fact, I never have created a review here, but I felt I had to give a score that it deserves. I'm seeing users giving a score of 10! OMG, really?!

This is STAR WARS, the biggest, most influential sci-fi saga of our times. Any new Star Wars movie has VERY HIGH EXPECTATIONS! You cannot view it by itself, rate it by itself. It will ALWAYS be compared to the best is the original trilogy.

Very disappointing to say the least. I actually felt cheated. JJ Abrams: really? is this the best you can do? It is mostly garbage! Acting is ok. The writing and directing is pure trash. I really want my money back.

Most have said it already, read the reviews.

- Not believable tech. A bigger death star sucks in an entire star and does not collapse in itself. Wait. They destroy the death star, and it makes a small explosion. HAVE YOU SEEN the size of the star (that was consumed) compared to the 'death star'? You would think absorbing that much energy would have created a giant supernova when it was destroyed.

- No character development. I have no love (or hate) for any of the characters, no attachment, no feeling. It felt like when you sit down at home and you start watching a movie half-way, and you don't understand a thing, and you end up not caring about it. People have said it ... meh!

- People magically know how to use a light-saber and fight off a well-trained Kylo Ren.

- Kylo Ren is defeated by someone with little or no skills in a matter of minutes? Kylo Ren, the same guy that stopped a laser in mid-air and freezes people by extending his hand? man! this is garbage.

George Lucas, PLEASE buy this franchise back from Disney and make something worth bearing the name Star Wars. PLEASE! PLEEEAAASEE!! Crowd source it, I'll hand over my 401K, mortgage my house, but don't take money from the moronic people who funded TFA that only wanted to make a quick buck.
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67 of 113 users found this helpful6746
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10
Poor_LenoDec 23, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I might be a star wars fanboy (and I'm not really hardcore at all) but I thought this was a great addition to the franchise. There were a lot of loveable characters, John Boyegua was especially good! The plot was pretty safe, in my opinion, but it's been a long time since a star wars film so it's understandable. I thought the comedy was very flavoursome, not unsuitable for young uns and BB-8 was actually surpsingly easy to empathise with! I feel that Rei was rather flat and didn't really show much of herself but I'm sure she'll get stronger as a character in the further 2 episodes. Easily the best film I've seen in ages and the best star wars film since the phantom menace. Expand
6 of 30 users found this helpful624
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0
EikoxDec 23, 2015
When Disney take a good movie franchise and convert it in a comedy-drama-action (in that order).
This new movie lost all essence of the first and even, the second trilogy, by the hand of jar jar abrams. Poor plot twist, almost the same
When Disney take a good movie franchise and convert it in a comedy-drama-action (in that order).
This new movie lost all essence of the first and even, the second trilogy, by the hand of jar jar abrams. Poor plot twist, almost the same argument line of the old movies, no context of any type, it's the first order vs the resistance aaaand the end.
In conclusion, if you like the effects and explosion everywhere (like transformers, etc) this is your movie. But if you are a true fan of SW, don't even go to watch it because is a disney crap.
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29 of 55 users found this helpful2926
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10
TroubleDec 23, 2015
This film is really good . My real mark is near 8-9. But i give it a 10 because this film not so bad,it's really nicely action film for watch it with friend
6 of 49 users found this helpful643
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1
dwillDec 23, 2015
I am a long time star wars fan. I've watched all of the movies multiple times. I like both the clone wars and rebels cartoons and I've read about 12 of the books. With that being said, I did laugh a handful of times and enjoy the specialI am a long time star wars fan. I've watched all of the movies multiple times. I like both the clone wars and rebels cartoons and I've read about 12 of the books. With that being said, I did laugh a handful of times and enjoy the special effects but I was looking for something new and creative. I clapped and cheered in the beginning of the movie and by the end I was slow clapping to JJ Abrams. I was so disappointed by the copy cat scenarios and the utter disrespect for the force as I suspect any invested fan will be. The greater betrayal is ultimately these are not the droids I was looking for and probably will never again be. Expand
41 of 69 users found this helpful4128
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9
HaloFeverDec 23, 2015
The best Star Wars movie since "Return of the Jedi". First things first, this is a Star Wars movie through and through. The change in creative control has ironically brought Star Wars back to its roots. Not only does "The Force Awakens" echoThe best Star Wars movie since "Return of the Jedi". First things first, this is a Star Wars movie through and through. The change in creative control has ironically brought Star Wars back to its roots. Not only does "The Force Awakens" echo classic Star Wars, it is the embodiment of the modern blockbuster.

For old fans like me, the nods to previous films and character arcs of old favorites is wonderfully emotional. The new characters are also spectacular. Poe is a just about the most awesomest pilot ever. Finn is a the wide eyed kid coming into the Star Wars universe. Rey is the embodiment of the heroes journey. It all comes together so nicely you will want to see it again.
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10 of 42 users found this helpful1032
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10
AshmanicDec 23, 2015
Who knew that Disney had the force with them? :D
I rank star wars films:
Episode 7
Episode 6
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 3
Episode 2
Episode 1
I love all the movies but there are some I love more than others.
9 of 60 users found this helpful951
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9
alexbclarkDec 23, 2015
Star Wars: The Force Awakens clears the brush and brambles that have sprawled out of control for 30 years, clearing the way to what should be an incredible new series of films.

Kylo Ren is the best fleshed out villain in the Star Wars
Star Wars: The Force Awakens clears the brush and brambles that have sprawled out of control for 30 years, clearing the way to what should be an incredible new series of films.

Kylo Ren is the best fleshed out villain in the Star Wars universe. Never before have we been so connected to the antagonist. But Kylo Ren isn’t the only new character worth noting. I’d go so far as to say that all of the new characters are exciting, memorable and worth seeing in future films.

Unfortunately some characters get sidelined for major portions of the movie. With the bulk of content the story needs to cover, the movie moves at light speed. This leads to plot holes, convenient plot devices, and circumcised emotional moments. The filmmakers are trying to cram so much information into 2 hours that the film suffers. In the process of trimming fat from the story, the filmmakers took a little too much meat.
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6 of 41 users found this helpful635
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0
Ladiesman727Dec 23, 2015
Very boring movie. Can't believe this is rated as high as it is. Say what you want about the prequels at least they have a plot. So much of the plot felt forced. Oh this place happens to have a lightsaber, oh R2D2 wakes up and has the map, ohVery boring movie. Can't believe this is rated as high as it is. Say what you want about the prequels at least they have a plot. So much of the plot felt forced. Oh this place happens to have a lightsaber, oh R2D2 wakes up and has the map, oh Han Solo just happened to be in the system, and the main characters happen to be in the millenium falcon.
And the death planet blows up an entire star system and no one gives a ****
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72 of 121 users found this helpful7249
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3
anirudh6kDec 23, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I enjoyed the ride as the movie flowed on, till plot kept going downhill. At first you get a nostalgic feeling as you notice the references to the older films (some in humourous and entertaining ways).
Eventually the movie turns dry, with poor acting and just outrightly copies 'a new hope'. Highly disappointed that inspite of all the hype and scope the movie had, it just blandly copied a older successful version of itself.
What made the movie worse is how it potrayed the good and the bad guys. So the new 'darth vadar' is bad because he turns evil , because he was frightened??.... umm ok, he trained to be a jedi by luke but went to the dark side, and is so powerful that he can stop laser beams by using the force. But ... but gets easily defeated by someone basically holding a light saber the first time with no training ...coz yea she the good guy.
This movie was disappointing, its a bland remake and can be fun to watch as a good defeats bad story regardless of any logic or plot
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77 of 131 users found this helpful7754
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0
hrottiusDec 23, 2015
Really disappointing experience! Watched the original trilogy as a teenager and this was a bad remake of the first movie, but also parts taken from second and third movie. I don't understand the professional critics, how can they rate thisReally disappointing experience! Watched the original trilogy as a teenager and this was a bad remake of the first movie, but also parts taken from second and third movie. I don't understand the professional critics, how can they rate this movie so high?

Short list of the worst parts:

- No originality, very predictable.
- When certain character was killed, it was so predictable, I saw it coming miles away.
- Very little character development compared to the original movies.
- The Force is a joke now! Super-Girl Rey learns mind tricks and lightsaber duels a trained Sith without training.
- Third death-star with the same design flaws as previous two; what a joke!

This movie was terrible and I predict people will start to hate it really fast.

Overrated!!!
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55 of 91 users found this helpful5536
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